For their part Racing Metro will be determined to use the 22-17 victory over Munster Rugby at Stade de France as the foundation to build a genuine assault on European rugby's premier competition this season.

The England centre, who made his 100th appearance for Saracens in the five-try win over Edinburgh, expects a tough challenge when they face the Paris-based side in the first tournament match played in Belgium.

"They're a very successful side littered with some very talented players," said Barritt. "So we are under no illusions, its going to be a tough outing.

"Going to Brussels is hugely exciting, playing in a different stadium is always something that excites the players, going to Brussels and taking rugby to a new audience is a very exciting venture.

"We are going to have to stick to our guns, apply the same pressure as last week and be even more clinical than last week."

The King Baudouin Stadium was scheduled to stage a Heineken Cup game between Ulster Rugby and Stade Francais Paris in 2009 but bad weather forced a postponement on the morning of the match.

The King Baudouin, which has been Belgium's national stadium since 1930, has a capacity of 50,000 and normally stages international football and athletics meetings.

It was formerly known as the Heysel Stadium and the darkest chapter in its history occurred in 1985 when 39 supporters died and more than 600 were injured after a wall collapsed during the 1985 European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus.

Following the tragedy, the stadium underwent major renovation work during the 1990s.

Match Facts

Fly-half Charlie Hodgson mustered 25 points last weekend and is the early leading points-scorer in the 2012/13 Heineken Cup.

Victory over Edinburgh last weekend was the third time the Premiership club have held a side scoreless in Europe.

Saracens are searching for their 25th Heineken Cup victory this week.